SC-11/CONF.202/6.Corr. Paris, 6 June 2011 Original: English

UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION

International Co-ordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme Twenty-third session

Radisson Blu Park Hotel & Conference Centre, Radebeul () 28 June – 1 July 2011

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/man-and- biosphere-programme/about-mab/icc/icc/23rd-session-of-the-mab-council/

Item 8 of the Provisional Agenda: PROPOSALS FOR NEW BIOSPHERE RESERVES AND EXTENSIONS/ MODIFICATIONS TO BIOSPHERE RESERVES THAT ARE PART OF THE WORLD NETWORK OF BIOSPHERE RESERVES (WNBR)

1. Proposals for new biosphere reserves and extensions to biosphere reserves that are already part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) were considered at the last meeting of the International Advisory Committee for Biosphere Reserves (IACBR), which met at UNESCO Headquarters from 16 to 18 February 2011.

2. The Advisory Committee formulated their recommendations regarding specific sites following the recommendation categories as follows: 1) Nominations recommended for approval: the proposed site is recommended for approval as a biosphere reserve; no additional information is needed. 2) Nominations recommended for approval pending the submission of specific information: the proposed site is recommended for approval as a biosphere reserve subject to receiving the specific information as requested by the Advisory Committee. If the latter is received by the Secretariat by 31st May 2011, it will be considered by the next session of the MAB-ICC to be held from 28 June to 1 July 2011 and the Council may approve the inclusion of the site in the WNBR. 3) Nominations deferred: the proposed site is deferred as it does not meet the criteria for biosphere reserves as stipulated in the Statutory Framework for Biosphere Reserves and/or major clarifications with regard to the application of the Framework to the proposed area is requested by the Advisory Committee. The relevant National Authorities are therefore invited to revise the nomination and/or provide the requested clarifications for examination by the Advisory Committee at its next meeting.

3. The Bureau of the MAB-ICC will consider the attached recommendations of the IACBR as well as the additional information received by the Secretariat particularly with regard to nominations recommended for approval subject to receiving additional information and nominations recommended to be deferred. The Bureau will recommend for the consideration of the MAB-ICC final decisions on all sites included in this document.

4. The MAB-ICC is invited to decide on the new sites for inclusion in the WNBR and extensions of biosphere reserves already included in the WNBR that could be approved.

…/…

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Recommendations of the International Advisory Committee for Biosphere Reserves:

Bras d’Or Lake, Canada The Advisory Committee welcomed this proposal located in Nova Scotia. The proposed biosphere reserve encompasses a salt-water estuary watershed “inland sea” with three passages to the within an island of temperate forest. The proposed total area is 356 588 ha including the marine ecosystem.

The Committee noted the high diversity of local communities including First Nations and that four languages were spoken in the area. It welcomed the high collaborative process with the First Nations, the provincial and federal government agencies, citizens and academics in the preparation of the nomination. This process led to the development of a comprehensive management plan for the lake. The stakeholders are working together under the “Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve Association”, which was created in 2005. Over 14 000 people are living in this area implementing several initiatives which are creating new jobs, encouraging business opportunities and demonstrating concrete solutions towards sustainable development. The Advisory Committee recommended that this proposal be approved.

Corredor Biológico Nevados de Chillán-Laguna del Laja, Chile The Advisory Committee commended the Chilean authorities on the high quality of the proposal. It noted that the site is located in the north part of the Patagonia region within the Central Chilean zone which is one of the global biodiversity hotspots also characterized by high abundance of endemic species.

The Committee welcomed the use of a biological corridor connecting the three core areas and recommended that this site be approved.

Mao’er Mountain, China The Advisory Committee commended the Chinese authorities for the very well prepared nomination. It recognized the scenic beauty of the nature reserve with mountain peaks reaching over 2,000m a.s.l., the abundance of sub-tropical broad-leaved, coniferous and bamboo forests and the occurrence of two endemic and rare species (Hynobius Mao’er Mountainensis and Rana Mao’er Mountainensis). It also noted that the transition zone is inhabited by Han Chinese and various ethnic minorities (including Miao, Yao, Zhuang, Dong, Yi and Hui) displaying a rich cultural diversity in the area.

The Committee further acknowledged that thanks to a GEF funded project, environmental protection and sustainable economic activities, including eco-tourism have been developed in the site. The Advisory Committee thus recommended that this site be approved.

Songor, Ghana The Advisory Committee congratulated the authorities of Ghana on the well prepared nomination. It recognized the importance of the site in terms of sustainable wetland and integrated coastal management and sustainable development of local communities. It acknowledged with appreciation the existence of the multistakeholder management committee for the site including government and community representatives.

The Committee noted the challenges rising from intense aquaculture and growing tourism particularly in the buffer and transition zones and encouraged the authorities to provide information on the planned initiatives to address these challenges.

The Advisory Committee recommended this site to be approved as a biosphere reserve and looks forward to receiving the updated version of the management plan expanding the focus of the management issues beyond those of the Songor Ramsar site to the whole biosphere reserve area.

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Zŭvintas, Lithuania The Advisory Committee welcomed this first proposal from Lithuania, located in the Southern part of the Middle Lithuanian Lowlands. It represents approximately 59 000 ha and includes lakes, wetlands, mires, peatbogs, pine trees. This great variety of habitats and vegetation makes this location very rich in biodiversity. The Committee noted the mixture of large and small land owners in the area with a population of 11 000 people. The main human activities include agriculture, forestry and fishing with recent development of eco-farming and tourism.

The Committee also noted that the biosphere reserve, when designated, would be inscribed in the national law as a specific category. The Advisory Committee recommended that the proposal be approved and that the authorities ensure further involvement of local stakeholders in the management of the area and provide further information on the management and monitoring of the quality of water.

Berlengas Archipelago, The Advisory Committee welcomed the re-submission of the nomination document. The Committee noted that this proposal includes the Berlangas, a group of small islands and rocks, and the city of Peniche in the mainland. It also noted that the archipelago is regularly visited by tourists, fishermen and scientists leaving from Peniche to explore the unique geophysical and ecological settings. The Peniche´s stakeholders participate in the management of the proposed biosphere reserve for promoting the sustainable development and conservation of the islands.

The Advisory Committee suggested that local communities should also be more involved in education and training activities and decision making process. This Committee encouraged establishing as soon as possible the definitive management plan to guarantee a sustainable eco-tourism and cooperation with other biosphere reserves with similar eco-tourism focus. The Advisory Committee recommended that this site be approved.

St. Mary’s, Saint Kitts and Nevis The Advisory Committee commended the authorities of Saint Kitts and Nevis for the very well prepared nomination, the first in the country. It recognized the importance of the site in terms of biological diversity ranging from cloud forests to mangroves and coral reefs. It was also pleased to note the inclusion in the proposed biosphere reserve of the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park World Heritage site which is of particular historical, cultural and architectural significance.

The Advisory Committee commended the involvement of all relevant stakeholders in the nomination process and acknowledged the support provided by the Jamaican and St. Kitts & Nevis’s National Commissions for UNESCO.

The Advisory Committee recommended that this site be approved and encouraged the relevant authorities to strengthen the ecosystem based approach and to address the issues related to prevention of erosion.

Blekinge Archipelago, Sweden The Advisory Committee welcomed this proposal located in the southeast part of Sweden which comprises most of the coastal areas and archipelagos of Blekinge. The proposed area stretching over 200 000 ha comprises landscapes of South east of Sweden, granite coast with accompanying archipelago containing a variety of islands and islets. The Committee welcomed the importance of natural and cultural heritage as well as the strong commitment of local people to maintain the social and economic dynamics of the region, through innovative thinking and entrepreneurship, development of energy efficient and environmentally friendly technologies. It also highlighted the quality of the research and monitoring of the site, done jointly by municipalities and universities and the sustainable use of coastal areas.

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The Advisory Committee recommended the proposal to be approved and commended the high quality of the nomination file and process which should be considered as a model and shared within the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Nedre Dalälven River Landscape Sweden The Advisory Committee welcomed this proposal covering 308 000 ha and consisting of a mixture of wetlands, rivers, lakes, flood plains and productive forests, and includes Lake Hovran and Färnebofjärden Bay Ramsar site. The region is of high biodiversity and the river forms a clear border zone between the northern and southern flora and fauna of Northern Europe. The agriculture and forestry activities have evolved due to changes in steel and iron industries.

The Committee acknowledged the high dynamism of the region, with the development of more than 100 ‘Leader+ projects’, designed for sustainable development. It also welcomed the high participatory governance system of the biosphere reserve as well as numerous partnerships with universities and research centres for monitoring.

The Advisory Committee recommended that this proposal be approved and commended the Swedish authorities for the high quality of the nomination file that should serve as a model for the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Oti-Keran/Oti-Mandouri, Togo The Advisory Committee congratulated the authorities of Togo for the well prepared nomination, one of the first in the country. It noted the importance of the site for its ecological and cultural values, encompassing two Ramsar sites (Parc National de la Kéran and Bassin versant de Oti-Mandouri) and the cultural landscape Tata de Koutammakou World Heritage site.

The Committee commended the authorities for the extensive involvement of the local communities in the nomination process and the management of the proposed site. The Committee also noted the great potential for transboundary collaboration and strongly encouraged the authorities to develop joint activities with the neighbouring sites in Benin, Burkina Faso, and Niger (WAP complex). The Committee recommended that the site be approved.

Roztochya, Ukraine The Advisory Committee noted that this proposal was a resubmission, which was deferred in 2009. The updated proposal now excludes the international centre for peacekeeping and security (a military polygon of NATO) from the transition area. The total size of the proposed site is now 74 800 ha with main activities including agriculture, stock-breeding and farming.

The Committee took note of the changes brought to the zonation, following the MAB Council recommendation, and acknowledged that the new zonation was meeting the Statutory Framework criteria. It recommended to the Ukrainian authorities to complete the integrated management plan, in close cooperation with local stakeholders and to pursue cooperation with Poland in order to establish a transboundary biosphere reserve. The Advisory Committee recommended that the proposal be approved.

Bura’a, Yemen The Advisory Committee welcomed the nomination of Bura’a which is named after the regions impressive granite massif, Jabal Bura’a. Ranging from 200-2200m altitude, Bura’a is a rugged mountainous area intersected by several deep valleys rich in rare, vulnerable and endemic plant species.

The Committee noted that the region also hosts a rich fauna, including a large number of bird species, and several reptiles, such as fresh water turtles and the Yemeni monitor lizard.

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Among income opportunities provided in the area are farmers active in traditional agroforestry systems practices. The Committee recommended that this site be approved.

NOMINATIONS RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL SUBJECT TO RECEIVING SPECIFIC INFORMATION

Mujib, Jordan The Advisory Committee commended the Jordan authorities for the comprehensive nomination file. Named after the Wadi Mujib catchment, Mujib is part of the Dead Sea basin and Jordan Rift Valley landscape and extends on the eastern shores of the Dead Sea. The quite spectacular landscape of the area includes the lowest terrestrial point on earth (420 m below sea level). Human activities, including agricultural activities, fishing, hunting, grazing, agricultural and household uses, quarrying in small areas at the reserve boundaries, small scale settlements, wood cutting for fuel and herbal and medicinal plants collection have played certain role in shaping many of the reserve’s habitats. The area is home to more than 90 rare plant species at the national level, one endemic fish species to the Dead Sea Basin and 24 species of mammals of national, regional and global conservation importance.

The Advisory Committee cautioned that it would be important to ensure that the quarrying activities would not pose any undue negative impacts to the reserve. Concerning the zonation, the Advisory Committee suggested that there would seem to be scope to extent the transition zones outside the buffer zones and that such extension includes villages.

The Advisory Committee recommends this site to be approved pending the submission by 31st May 2011 of: . information clarifying the coverage of the transition zones, including the possibility of extending the transition zones outside the buffer zones to include some villages adjacent to the area, . additional information on measures taken or planned to ensure that the biosphere reserve would not be unduly impacted by the quarrying activities in the area.

Baa Atoll, Republic of Maldives The Advisory Committee commended the authorities of the Republic of Maldives for the very well prepared nomination, the first in the country. It recognized that this site harbors globally significant biodiversity in its unique reefs and demonstrates a long history of human interaction with the environment.

The Committee noted a coherent network of marine protected areas and community activities established in the framework of the GEF Atoll Ecosystem Conservation project. It also acknowledged the great potential of the site with regard to demonstration of sustainable development throughout the Maldives and the region relying on green economy and improved integrated management system.

The Advisory Committee recommended that this site be approved pending the submission by 31st May 2011 of: . information regarding the legally protected area status of all eleven proposed core areas; and . the provision of a clear map delineating the transition area of the proposed biosphere reserve.

Volga-Akhtuba Floodplain, Russian Federation The Advisory Committee welcomed this proposal which comprises a unique ecosystem, located in the Volga valley. The Volga-Akhtuba is representing a mosaic structure of landscapes, high-yield floodplain meadows, spawning grounds, oak groves and internationally important wetlands. The Committee acknowledged the importance of both historical and cultural heritage in the region. The proposed total size is 180 500 ha with 45 000 permanent inhabitants. Main activities include agriculture and fishing, tourism, and recreational use.

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The Committee also noted that this proposal would represent the 12th biosphere reserve located in the Volga river basin in the Russian Federation and welcomed the strong potential for cooperation among these biosphere reserves and further encouraged the cooperation with adjacent reserves and parks, especially at the east and south-east borders.

The Committee, however noted that there was no functional mechanism to involve local population in sustainable development and therefore recommended that the proposal be approved pending the submission by 31st May 2011 of a comprehensive strategy and description of the process to involve local communities in the management of the site.

NOMINATIONS DEFERRED

Trifinio Fraternidad Biosphere Reserve, El Salvador/Guatemala/Honduras The Advisory Committee welcomed this proposal for the establishment of a tri-national biosphere reserve in Central America. It commended the National Authorities for the work achieved so far, as this biosphere reserve is considered a major contribution to the implementation of the Mesoamerican Corridor.

However, as Guatemala officially submitted a substantially changed document one day before the holding of the Advisory Committee, the Committee Members were not in the position to study in-depth the new proposal of Guatemala. Moreover, no evidence was provided that Honduras and El Salvador have been informed of this change.

The Advisory Committee requested a new agreement signed by all three countries based on the original documents provided by Honduras and El Salvador and the new document provided by Guatemala; the original of this new agreement has to be submitted to UNESCO.

In addition, the Advisory Committee requested a map showing the total area of the biosphere reserve in the three countries including a detailed zoning.

Finally, the Advisory Committee requested a unique name in the national biosphere reserve proposals, enabling thus the use of the same name for the three parts of the biosphere reserve as well as for the tri-national nomination. It also requested to use the same nomenclature for ecosystem description.

In conclusion, the Advisory Committee recommended that this proposal be deferred, but strongly encouraged the three countries to resubmit a revised version for the next Advisory Committee meeting.

Ramat Menashe, Israel The Advisory Committee noted that this proposal was a resubmission which was deferred in 2010. It welcomed the changes made in the zonation to take into account last recommendation of the MAB ICC and to fulfil the Statutory Framework as well as additional information provided as regards cooperation with the adjacent Mount Carmel Biosphere Reserve. The Committee further encouraged the cooperation with adjacent Mount Carmel Biosphere Reserve.

However, since it was clearly mentioned in the nomination that the completion of the approval of the legal status of all core areas at the national level will not be achieved by end of 2011, the Advisory Committee recommended that the site be deferred and resubmitted at its next session, together with an official letter from the Military Authority to ensure that their activities are not threatening the conservation of biodiversity in these core areas.

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Santana Madeira, Portugal The Advisory Committee welcomed this proposal for a biosphere reserve. It noted its location in the Madeira archipelago. In particular, the Committee appreciated that Santana is essentially a rural municipality where agriculture dominates with some tourism development. It features a rich fauna and flora that incorporates a high degree of endemism and an integral representation of the most relevant ecological units of Madeira, from the marine and coastal ecosystems to the high altitude vegetation, through the laurel forest, World Natural Heritage of UNESCO.

However, the Advisory Committee noted that the buffer zone does not fulfill its function as stipulated in the Seville Strategy and Statutory Framework for Biosphere Reserves. It therefore encouraged the authorities to consider the possibility of increasing the size of the buffer zone to ensure the fulfillment of its proper functioning.

The Advisory Committee recommended this site to be deferred and encouraged the Portuguese authorities to re-submit the nomination dossier with revised zonation.

Fazao-Malfakassa, Togo The Advisory Committee welcomed the submission of this proposal acknowledging the importance of the site for biodiversity conservation, as well as its potential for sustainable economic development of local communities.

However, the Advisory Committee noted lack of information on the involvement of local communities both in the nomination process as well as the management of the proposed biosphere reserve. Also, it noted lack of information on the specific activities envisaged to ensure development and education functions of the proposed site.

The Advisory Committee recommended that this proposal be deferred and encouraged the authorities of Togo to re-submit a new proposal in conformity with Seville Strategy and Statutory Framework for biosphere reserves. In particular the revised proposal should include clear information on: . the involvement of local communities in the nomination and management processes; and . the planned educational activities as well as on ensuring sustainable economic and social development of local communities.

Hawf, Yemen The Advisory Committee welcomed this proposal and noted that the site is situated in the Al Mahara Governorate near the borders with the Sultanate of Oman. Although the region is dry, it nevertheless includes important forest areas and is host to large mammals, such as the Arabian leopard, ibex, gazelles, wolves, hyenas, foxes, wild cats and porcupines. Some 230 plant species have been recorded to occur in the forest.

The Advisory Committee acknowledged the importance of the area, particularly for conservation of the endangered mammal species, such as the Arabian leopard. However, the Committee requested additional justifications for the zonation (especially its sharp border to the west) and consideration of including marine areas in the site as the region extends to the Arab Sea with important coastal and marine biodiversity resources.

The Advisory Committee recommended this site to be deferred, but strongly encouraged Yemen to resubmit a revised version of the nomination for the next Advisory Committee meeting. It also encouraged the relevant authorities of Yemen to consider collaboration on the biosphere reserve concept with the Sultanate of Oman in the transboundary area of the proposed site.

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EXTENSIONS OR CHANGES IN ZONATION OF A BIOSPHERE RESERVE

Pietrosul Mare, Romania – Proposed extension and renaming as The Rodnei Mountains Biosphere Reserve The Advisory Committee took note of the letters sent to the Secretariat informing about the changes in size and name. However the Advisory Committee noted that the site was not fulfilling the Statutory Framework criteria and that there was not enough information provided since the last periodic review made in 1998, which was already lacking key information and data on the site.

The Advisory Committee therefore requested the Romanian authorities to provide comprehensive information on the site, as well as description of actions that would be taken to ensure that the site can fulfil the Statutory Framework criteria by sending an updated periodic review report before 2013 to meet Target 9 of the Madrid Action Plan.

Cat Tien, Vietnam – Proposed extension and renaming as Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve The Advisory Committee welcomed the very well prepared proposal for extension and renaming of the Cat Tien Biosphere Reserve designated in 2001. It noted the addition of two new core zones, which brings the total area of the site to 966 563 ha, and recognized that the rationale of extending the site is based on the great challenges due to socio-economic development demands.

The Committee also noted the potential of the proposed changes in terms of increasing the collaboration among different stakeholders and strengthening coordination and management processes. It acknowledged that the implementation of concrete activities reconciling multi-goal conservation and development efforts will be done under the guidance of the People’s Committee of Dong Nai Province.

The Advisory Committee recommended that the extension and renaming of the former Cat Tien Biosphere Reserve into Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve be approved.